In a notable development for Dutch football, Ronald Koeman has announced the inclusion of Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken in the Netherlands' squad for the upcoming World Cup. This selection is particularly significant as Flekken is the sole representative from the Bundesliga in the Dutch lineup. His journey to the World Cup has been marked by both a surprising omission from the 2022 squad and a recent recovery from injury, making his current call-up a testament to his resilience. The squad also features emerging talents like Robin Roefs and Bart Verbruggen, both of whom have made an impact with their English Premier League clubs. The Netherlands is set to compete in a formidable Group F, facing challenging opponents.
Netherlands Announces 2026 World Cup Squad: Flekken Leads Bundesliga Presence
On May 27, 2026, Ronald Koeman, the esteemed coach of the Netherlands national football team, unveiled his selections for the 2026 World Cup. Among the notable choices, Mark Flekken, the 32-year-old goalkeeper from Bayer Leverkusen, secured a spot. This marks a triumphant return for Flekken, who was unexpectedly left out of Louis van Gaal's squad for the 2022 World Cup. His inclusion also highlights his recovery from a significant injury that sidelined him for much of the latter half of the recent season. Flekken is joined by promising young goalkeepers Robin Roefs of Sunderland and Bart Verbruggen of Brighton, both of whom have played pivotal roles in their respective English Premier League teams achieving European qualification. While Jeremie Frimpong, another player with Bundesliga ties, moved to Liverpool but missed out due to injuries, the squad still boasts seven players with previous Bundesliga experience. The Dutch national team faces a challenging path in Group F, where they are scheduled to compete against Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
The comprehensive squad list is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
- Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
Flekken's selection, despite his recent injury and past World Cup snub, underscores the belief in his capabilities and experience. His journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication in professional sports. The Dutch team's path in the World Cup will undoubtedly be closely watched, especially given the strength of their group stage opponents.